Sihanoukville
Krŏng Preah Sihanouk is a Provinces of Cambodia. Krŏng Preah Sihanouk area is 868.
Introduction
Sihanouk Ville (Also known as Kompong Som) is Cambodia's only port. It is gradually being redeveloped as a tourist attraction, but despite the promise of massive Malaysian investment-a casino is planned for Naga Island-tourist numbers are still fairly low.
In the southwest corner of Cambodia, 232km from Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville can be reached by National Highway N° 4. White-sand beaches that include O’chheuteal, Sokha, Pram Pi Chan, and Deum Chrey beautify this coastal city. These beaches are known for their quiet, cozy atmosphere and the large stretches of white sand and clear waters and these make them popular spots for families on vacation. These seaside paradises with the refreshing coolness of the fresh water streams can be enjoyed all year round.
Business opportunities in Sihanoukville are varied from financial activities to tourist and travel-related industries in conjunction with the government's objective of making Sihanoukville a major tourist destination besides its status as an International Offshore Financial Center. The government welcomes both foreign as well as local investors to participate in a joint-venture basis.
Sihanoukville is not a small p ace, and the best way to get around is to hire a motorbike. Sihanoukville itself is east of the main backpackers' beach and close to the more mid-range O matial Beach. Due south of town is tiny Ko Pos Beach, which has a solitary mid-range hotel, and the larger Independence Beach, which has the crumbling Independence Hotel-slated r redevelopment.
History
Cambodia’s international sea trade was carried out through Mekong. This was till 1954. Mekong came under the control of Vietnam with the end of Indochina resulting in the decision to construct a new port for successful sea trade in Cambodia. Kampong Som was chosen for its depth of water and accessibility. The town was later named Sihanoukville. What followed here next is referred to as the History of Sihanoukville.
According to the History of Sihanoukville the construction of the port was brought about by a French Cambodian construction team from1955 to 1960 with funds from France. Another major construction leading to the development of the town was the road to Phnom Penh, Route 4, which was funded by the USA. The town first emerged as a settlement for the workers.
In the honor of the king the new port town was named Sihanoukville. The historical development of Sihanoukville states that the town reached its zenith in the 1960s due to the success of the port. Due to the booming Sihanoukville Tourism the town witnessed the construction of the Independence Hotel on the Independence Beach in Sihanoukville, the Angkor Brewery, villas on the Ochheuteal Beach in Sihanoukville, and the St Michael's Catholic Church. The History of Sihanoukville, Cambodia says that the port went through construction work again from 1965 to 1970. It was stopped due to the Lon Nol coup d'etat.
One of the major phases of the History of Sihanoukville was its role in the American Vietnam conflict. It helped the anti- American forces in Vietnam in acquiring weapons. In 1975 the S.S. Mayaguez, a U.S. container ship was captures by the Khmer Rouge. The USA attacked an island close to Sihanoukville. The ship was released after fierce bombing.
Another major turn in the History of Sihanoukville was hosting the Australian, Belgian and French military units of United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) in 1992 and 1993 UN sponsored elections. Later the town saw an influx of foreign tourists which was disrupted by the murders of the 3 backpackers and 3 expatriates. The location has attained stability post 1997-1998 with the end of the Khmer Rouge making. Today it is a popular tourist destination emerging out of its past of war and murder. The numerous restaurants, bars and hotels with a large number of tourists have changed the face of the city.
People
There are 111,459 male and 112,149 female with total 223,608
Climate
The best beach weather begins with the end of the rains in November. The dry, warm, breezy weather that follows lasts through January. Night temperatures can get down to a chilly 20° but the days hover around 28°-30°. Many think December and January are best with their balmy temperatures and blue skies.
At the end of January, Sihanoukville begins to warm and continues to get hotter through July (maximum 35°). After February, cool 'mango showers' occasionally blow in from the north. December through June is said by some local outfitters to be the best scuba weather with clearer (though cooler) waters than the rest of the year.
Get in
To & From Phnom Penh:
Bus relatively comfortable; a/c buses depart Phnom Penh several times per day. 10,00R -12,000R/4 hours. In Sihanouk ville, all buses arrive and depart from the bus station on Street 108.
Minivans And guesthouse buses Capitol Guesthouse in Phnom Penh is running daily minivans to Sihanoukville. Departs Phnom Penh at 7:15AM. 12,000 riel one way. Discount for round trip ticket. In Sihanoukville contact Capitol Tours on Ekareach in the middle of downtown. SHVto PP departs at 12:30PM.
By AIR
Sihanoukville's airport is in Ream, 20 km from downtown.
There is only one company, and one single fly a week.
As nobody take it, it is canceled every week.
But as soon some tourist group will book it ... (to be continued)
By TRAIN
Railways are small (1 meter), so the train are small.
It is freight train for quite 90%.
First day, GO, second RETURN, and so on.
It is a trip of about 13 hours.
If you reach "souvenirs", you can go from Sihanoukville to Swaï Rièng only.
It is 2h train to go and 50mn to come back by road. Good pictures !
By BOAT
At 12am from Sihanoukville everyday for 15$. Arrival at koh Kong at 4pm.
Hat Lèk / Klong Yay / Trat by public taxi, then Trat / Bangkok by bus
From Bangkok cross the border at 7am, (Cambodian visas for 25$ at the checkpoint),
The boat leave around 7.30/8am. Arrival at Sihanoukville around 11am.
Taxi
Most shared taxis depart Phnom Penh before 10:00AM, though you can still find one into the mid afternoon. R10,000/person. Shared taxis offer a cramped and harrowing 2½ 3 ½ -hour ride with 8 or more people stuffed in a compact car. Private taxis run about $20-$25. In Phnom Penh taxis wait at the southwest corner of the Central Market (Phsar Thmey). In Sihanoukville, Phnom Penh bound taxies wait on Street 108.
Motorcycle
It is a 230 km, 4-5 hour trip on Route 4. 200cc minimum. Rent motorcycles at Lucky Lucky Motorcycle on Monivong, near Street 184 in Phnom Penh. Fast, easy, relatively dangerous road. Speeding taxis and reckless Lorries are the norm. Slow down through the villages, watch for slow animals and oblivious children. By all means wear a helmet and bear in mind that medical help and rescue is virtually non-existent in the countryside.
Get around
By TAXI
From Mahasrop car & busses park in Sihanoukville, from 5am to 9pm, or 24/24 on "rendez-vous".
About 3 hours long; 5 to 7$ p/p or 25 to 30$ for a complete car.
There is also minibus for up to 8 people for about 30 to 40$.
From Phnom Penh Central Market (Psa Thmey) to Sihanoukville, same hours and same costs.
By TAXI
Around 7am, they can come pick you up at your hotel. Run by many hotels and guest houses. from 10 to 15$.
7 hours of bad road and some rivers to cross by boat.
Same from the Thai border to Sihanoukville; from 7am to 12am .... only if you miss the boat !